Car accidents are stressful enough when both drivers have proper insurance, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the person responsible for the crash is uninsured. Unfortunately, Florida has a relatively high rate of uninsured motorists, which means many people find themselves in this very predicament. If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone without coverage, you may feel uncertain about where to turn for help. Read on and reach out to a knowledgeable Jacksonville auto accident lawyer from Ansbacher Law to learn more about how our team can assist you if you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How Does Florida’s Insurance System Work?
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after most accidents, each driver turns first to their own insurance coverage for payment of medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This is done through something called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP coverage. Every driver in Florida is required to carry this coverage, and it provides up to $10,000 in benefits for immediate medical costs and partial wage replacement.
However, serious accidents often result in damages that far exceed the limits of PIP. When this happens, you would normally pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If that driver does not carry liability insurance, or carries only the bare minimum, you could face difficulties recovering the full amount you need. This is why many Florida residents add uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to their own policies, since it can act as a safety net when the other driver cannot pay.
What Options Do You Have if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?
There are several ways you may still be able to recover compensation, even when the negligent driver lacks insurance. These are as follows:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you purchased this optional coverage, your own insurance company steps in to cover damages that exceed your PIP benefits.
- Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: Although you can bring a claim directly against the uninsured driver, in many cases, people without insurance also lack sufficient assets to pay damages, which can make this route less effective.
- Exploring Other Liable Parties: Sometimes, responsibility does not rest solely with the uninsured driver. For example, if the crash involved a commercial vehicle or a defective auto part, other parties could be held liable.
- Health Insurance and MedPay: If you carry health insurance or medical payments coverage, these benefits can help cover additional medical bills.
Why Should You Contact a Lawyer Right Away?
Dealing with an uninsured driver can quickly become overwhelming, especially while you are also recovering from physical injuries and emotional stress.
That said, the attorneys here at Ansbacher Law can evaluate the circumstances of your case, explain the insurance coverage available to you, and pursue all potential sources of compensation on your behalf. Our team regularly handles uninsured motorist claims, and we know how to negotiate with insurance companies that may try to minimize your payout.
If you have additional questions or believe you have a valid claim, please don’t hesitate to contact Ansbacher Law today. We stand ready to effectively fight for your interests, every step of the way.